Meet the Business West Chamber membership team – and introducing our new Membership Manager
At Business West, our Chamber membership team plays a vital role in supporting businesses of all shapes and sizes across the region. From helping members connect and grow, to ensuring they get the most out of their benefits, the team is at the heart of everything we do.
We’re excited to introduce our new Membership Manager, Dan Hooper, who recently joined the membership team - but first, let’s take a moment to get to know the friendly faces working behind the scenes to support our Chamber members every day.
As Membership Engagement Lead, what are your key priorities?
My main focus is building stronger relationships with our members - ensuring they feel heard, supported, and connected. I enjoy helping them to navigate the benefits available and creating more tailored opportunities for them to engage with one another.
What’s your favourite Chamber event and why?
Definitely the networking breakfasts. It's great to watch members connect in a relaxed setting, where genuine and often unexpected conversations can spark new ideas or partnerships.
One thing existing members might not know we can help them with?
Health at Hand – a 24/7 GP helpline for you and your staff, so you can rest assured in the knowledge that your people have an experienced health professional to speak to regarding any health concerns that may arise. Taking care of your employees’ mental and physical health not only benefits them, but your business too. By taking measures to ensure a healthy and happy workforce, you’ll find an increase in productivity, reduced absences and improved retention.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
You'll usually find me walking the dog across the Wiltshire countryside or out on a hike - I'm proud to say I've just completed my third peak! I also enjoy baking and cooking, along with home shopping (love interior design!)
What does your role involve day-to-day?
As a Membership Executive, my day-to-day role is all about supporting the wider membership team, primarily Dan and Jess, with a range of admin tasks and member queries. I manage the membership inbox, responding to both internal and external enquiries, and regularly provide Dan with key membership reports and statistics.
What do you enjoy most about working with our Chamber members?
I really enjoy the variety - no two businesses are the same, and it’s rewarding to see the different ways we can support each of our members throughout their membership journey.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m an avid reader, especially when it comes to thrillers and crime novels - you’ll always find me with my nose in a book! I’m also a keen (albeit very amateur!) photographer, and I love to get out and about with my camera whenever I can.
How do the Skills and Chamber departments work together at Business West?
The Chamber team delivers the skills contracts, allowing for greater integration and more opportunities for our members. This gives us direct access to Skills Advisors and a deeper understanding of how to support our members’ business growth.
Best part of working here?
It’s perhaps considered a bit of a cliché, but it’s the people I meet and those that I work with! The range and passion of our members never ceases to amaze me.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love camping, tending to my allotment, hanging out with my cat, and diving into wild conversations about the future...so if you're up for a chat about change or transformation, let's talk!
Introducing our new Membership Manager
We’re thrilled to welcome Dan to the team as our new Chamber Membership Manager. With an extensive background in membership, Dan is passionate about helping local businesses thrive and is already getting stuck into Chamber life.
We caught up with Dan to learn a bit more about him…
Tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Business West?
I’ve spent the last 15 years working with membership organisations. Everyone from radiologists and executive search consultants to international students. I moved to the region five years ago, and when I was looking for a new challenge, Business West stood out as a chance to work with local businesses and people across a much broader range of sectors. (After all, there’s only so much you can learn about radiology without enrolling in medical school!)
What excites you most about your new role?
The variety, especially working with so many different businesses and individuals across the region. I’m also really impressed by just how much Business West actually does. Even a few weeks in, I’m still discovering new ways in which the organisation supports its members!
What’s your vision for how we support Chamber members?
The current membership offer is already strong, and the team does a great job. My focus is on making sure that our members know about everything they can access, understand the work we do on their behalf, and feel part of Business West’s wider mission. Sometimes it’s just about reminding people of the value that’s already there.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have young children, so I spend a lot of time chasing after them in various parks, soft play and fields. I'm not sure I enjoy it all the time, but it’s the only exercise I get!
Want to get in touch with the membership team?
Whether you’re a long-standing Chamber member or just getting started, our team is here to help you make the most of your membership. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a chat, book a 1-2-1, or come and meet us at one of our upcoming networking events.
Email the membership team or call us on 0800 980 2789.